If you’re aiming to base your innovative project, tech career or freelance business in Portugal, this guide walks you through the Startup Visa, Tech Visa and D2 (entrepreneur) Visa. You’ll learn eligibility criteria, application steps, costs and ways to include co-founders or family members—everything you need to plan your move.

The Startup Visa: Launch Your Innovative Business

Portugal’s Startup Visa lets non-EU founders build an innovative company with Portuguese residency.

According to IAPMEI (the Portuguese Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation), applicants must
– propose a business project that brings technological or scientific innovation
– show you can cover living costs (around €10 440 per year)
– secure acceptance by a certified incubator in Portugal
– maintain a clean criminal record

Once approved, you get a residence permit valid for two years, renewable if your project is on track. You also gain access to EU markets and can apply for permanent residency after five years.

Teams of Co-Founders & Family Inclusion

• Up to five co-founders can apply under one business plan.
• Bring your spouse, under-18 children, adult dependents and financially dependent parents under family reunification rules.

Financial Requirements & Fees

You don’t need a fixed minimum investment, but you must
1. prove personal means (approx. €10 440/year per applicant)
2. pay government fees (~€360 for application + €90 for permit issuance + €80 for the card)
3. cover additional costs such as health insurance, translator fees and incubator charges

A detailed breakdown helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

The Tech Visa: Fast-Track for Skilled Tech Workers

This program targets highly qualified specialists from outside the EU/EEA who secure a job or service agreement with a certified Portuguese tech company.

Key requirements:
– Employer must be in tech goods/services or digital sectors
– Applicant holds a relevant degree or equivalent experience and a three-year contract or service agreement
– Clean criminal record

Benefits include
– streamlined application via accredited firms
– residence permit linked to employment
– access to Portugal’s growing startup ecosystem

The D2 Visa: Flexibility for Entrepreneurs & Freelancers

The D2 “entrepreneur” Visa allows you to establish or purchase a business, or operate as an independent service provider.

Business Investor Route

• Buy an existing Portuguese company or open a branch of your foreign firm
• No minimum investment threshold, but you must demonstrate economic viability and job creation potential

Independent Service Provider Route

• Ideal if you offer consulting, creative or professional services
• Requires evidence of contracts or clients and a solid business plan

Once approved, D2 visa holders get a residence permit valid for two years, renewable thereafter.

Applying from Within Portugal

If you’re already in Portugal on a short-stay visa or another legal status, you can submit your Startup or D2 visa application directly to SEF (the Foreigners and Borders Service), sidestepping consular queues abroad.

Administrative Essentials

Portuguese Tax ID (NIF), Bank Account & Accountant

• A Portuguese Tax ID (NIF) is mandatory for any financial transactions and tax filings.
• Opening a local bank account proves economic ties and facilitates living expenses.
• Hiring an accountant ensures compliance with Portuguese corporate and personal tax laws.

Social Security Registration

• As a Startup or D2 visa holder, register with Segurança Social to cover health and pension contributions.
• Monthly contributions vary based on your declared income bracket.

Next Steps to Launch Your Portuguese Venture

Now that you’ve seen how the Startup, Tech and D2 visas differ—and how you can involve co-founders or family—pick the pathway that matches your goals, assemble your documentation and reach out to a certified incubator or Portuguese immigration expert.

Portugal’s entrepreneur programs have helped local startups raise over €1.1 billion in 2021, making it one of Europe’s most dynamic ecosystems. Your journey starts with a solid application and a clear plan: the rest is yours to build.